Anti-torsion structure for an a-frame hauling trailer

ABSTRACT

A drop-deck trailer for hauling heavy loads (e.g., jumbo glass panes) positioned on each side of the drop-deck and which minimizes trailer twisting/leaning is provided. The drop deck includes a plurality of transversely-mounted A-frames that are coupled through an anti-torsion structure (ATS) to each other and to at least two trailer main beams at an elevated front deck and at a rear portion of the drop-deck for transferring the load from each side of the trailer and into the at least two main beams. The ATS includes tie bars for connecting the tops of the A-frames together, a front support for connecting the forward-most A-frame to the main beams and an end support for connecting the rear-most A-frame to the main beams. The ATS minimizes twisting/leaning of the trailer without adding any significant weight to the trailer itself. This permits the transport of increased payload on the trailer, including a continuous tarp for covering the payload during transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates trailers and more particularly to atrailer that uses an anti-torsion structure connected to A-frames forhauling heavier loads (e.g., jumbo glass panes) on both sides of thetrailer and to reduce twisting of the trailer where the loads arenon-symmetrical and without significantly adding to the trailer'sweight.

FIG. 1 depicts a prior art conventional trailer 2 using a drop-deckdesign including side rails 4 with a plurality of transverselypositioned A-frames 6 for hauling jumbo glass panes 8 (FIG. 2). Thetrailer 2 comprises main beams 12A/12B that support an elevated frontdeck 13 and which run the full length of the trailer 2 culminating in arear portion 14 that rests on a wheel system 15. The A-frames 6 straddleand are mounted to the main beams 12A/12B and are connected to the mainbeams 12A/12B and to feet 10 on each side of the trailer 2. The siderails 4 are connected to the feet 10 on each side of the trailer 2. Eachfoot 10 comprises a resilient (e.g., rubber element) mount 10A forreceiving the edges of the glass panes thereon. In particular, as shownin FIG. 2, the jumbo glass panes 8 are positioned on the mounts 10A andagainst the inclined sides of the A-frames 6.

However, in many cases, the jumbo glass panes to be transported areprovided such that 2 0 they cannot be separated and evenly distributedon both sides of the trailer. As such, as shown most clearly in FIG. 2,due to the heavy weight and the non-symmetrical arrangement of thesejumbo glass panes 8 on each side of the trailer 2, this causes thetrailer 2 to twist or lean (indicated by arrow 11) and the drop-deckdeflection can be as much as 2″-3″ downward. This twisting/leaning 11not only makes the trailer unstable but it also creates anotherdangerous situation of possible contact with the roadway or items in theroadway during travel. Furthermore, because of this twisting/leaning 11(viz., compare the axis 11A normal to the trailer when no jumbo glasspanes 8 are present to the axis 11B normal to the trailer 2 when thejumbo glass panes 8, loaded in a non-symmetrical manner, are present),the lower ends 8A of some of the jumbo glass panes 8 are out of contactwith the trailer mounts 10 (see gap G in FIG. 3) which creates anotherunsafe condition, as these particular panes are not being supportedproperly.

One solution is to use heavier main beams 12A/12B in the trailer 2 thatreduce the twisting of the drop-deck design when the heavy andnon-symmetric payload 8 is present. However, using heavier main beams12A/12B forces trailer owners to reduce the amount of payload they cancarry in order to comply with weight restrictions set forth in roadwayregulations. Moreover, jumbo glass pane manufacturers insist that theirpanes be covered during transport. A large continuous tarp is apreferred method of covering the payload during transport but that typeof tarp can have significant weight itself and in order to transport aparticular payload of jumbo glass panes, the trailer owner is forced toforego the use of the continuous tarp in order to make the deliverywhile complying with the roadway regulations. As such, a more cumbersomeand time-consuming use of individual covers over the glass panesthemselves is required.

Another solution for hauling glass panes on a trailer is disclosed inGerman Utility Model Patent No. DE 7920493 (Vereinigte Glaswerke GmbH)entitled “Low Loader for the Transport of Large Glass Packs”. Inparticular, DE 7920493 discloses a trailer for hauling glass panes in avertical orientation, centered on the trailer deck, using a trussstructure. However, as such, DE 7920493 explicitly avoids loading andtransporting the glass pane payload on the sides of the trailer deck andavoids positioning the glass panes against any slanted portion of anyA-frames.

Thus, in view of the foregoing, there still remains a need for trailerthat can haul such heavy and non-symmetrical loads (e.g., jumbo glasspanes) on both sides of a drop-deck trailer using A-frames with minimaltwisting/leaning and without significantly adding to the trailer weightitself.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A trailer for hauling payload (e.g., jumbo pane glass, etc.) positionedon opposite sides of the trailer which experiences minimized twisting isdisclosed. The trailer comprises: a trailer body having at least twomain beams that support an elevated front deck and a drop deck, whereinthe drop deck has a rear portion positioned over a wheel system; aplurality of A-frames transversely positioned on the drop deck; and ananti-torsion structure that couples the plurality of A-frames togetherand to the at least two main beams at the elevated front deck and at therear portion, wherein the anti-torsion structure minimizes twisting ofthe drop deck, and without increasing the weight of the at least twomain beams, when the payload is positioned on the drop deck and againstsides of the plurality A-frames.

A method for forming a trailer that is configured to haul payload (e.g.,jumbo pane glass, etc.) positioned on opposite sides of the trailerwhile experiencing minimized twisting is disclosed. The methodcomprises: forming a trailer body having at least two main beams thatsupport an elevated front deck and a drop deck, and wherein the dropdeck has a rear portion positioned over a wheel system; positioning aplurality of A-frames transversely on the drop deck; and coupling theplurality of A-frames together and to the at least two main beams at theelevated front deck and at the rear portion using an anti-torsionstructure, and wherein the anti-torsion structure minimizes twisting ofthe drop deck, and without increasing the weight of the at least twomain beams, when the payload is positioned on the drop deck and againstsides of the plurality of A-frames.

An anti-torsion structure configured for minimizing the twisting of atrailer that hauls payload (e.g., jumbo pane glass, etc.) positioned onopposite sides of the trailer is disclosed. The trailer has a bodyformed of at least two main beams that support an elevated front deckand a drop deck and wherein the drop deck has a rear portion positionedover a wheel system and wherein the drop deck includes a plurality ofA-frames positioned transversely on the drop deck and against which thepayload is positioned. The anti-torsion structure comprises: a pluralityof bars that are connected between tops of the plurality of A-frames; afirst member that is connected to the at least two main beams at theelevated front deck on a first end of the first member and is connectedto a top of a forward-most A-frame on a second end of the first member;and a second member that is connected to the at least two main beams atthe rear portion on a first end of the second member and is connected toa top of a rear-most A-frame on a second end of the second member.

A method for minimizing the twisting of a trailer that hauls payload(e.g., jumbo pane glass, etc.) positioned on opposite sides of thetrailer is disclosed. The trailer includes a body formed of at least twomain beams that support an elevated front deck and a drop deck andwherein the drop deck has a rear portion positioned over a wheel systemand wherein the drop deck includes a plurality of A-frames positionedtransversely on the drop deck and against which the payload ispositioned. The method comprises: coupling the A-frames together byconnecting a plurality of bars between tops of the plurality ofA-frames; connecting a first member to the at least two main beams atthe elevated front deck on a first end of the first member andconnecting a second end of the first member to a top of a forward-mostA-frame; and connecting a second member to the at least two main beamsat the rear portion on a first end of the second member and connecting asecond end of the second member to a top of a rear-most A-frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary prior art conventional jumboglass pane hauling trailer;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the conventional jumbo glass pane haulingtrailer of FIG. 1 showing the drop-deck twisting with the panes of glassloaded non-symmetrically on each side of the trailer;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of the bottom edges of jumbo glass panesshowing them being “out of contact” (viz., gap G) with a trailer mounton the drop-deck of the conventional trailer of FIGS. 1-2 due totwisting/leaning of the drop-deck;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the present invention showing theA-frames being connected together with tie bars, a front support and anend support which form the anti-torsion structure installed on thetrailer;

FIG. 5 is top view of the present invention, showing the tie bars, frontsupport and end support of the anti-torsion structure installed on thetrailer;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention also showing the tiebars, front support and end support of the anti-torsion structureinstalled on the trailer;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the present invention showing the frontsupport of the anti-torsion structure installed on the trailer;

FIG. 7A is a front view of the present invention, similar to FIG. 7, butshowing an exemplary payload, e.g., jumbo glass panes, positionednon-symmetrically on each side of the drop-deck with minimal or notwisting of the drop deck;

FIG. 8 is a partial view of the front support and the front deck of FIG.6 showing an exemplary connector used for coupling the lower end of thefront support to the main beams at the elevated front deck;

FIG. 9 is a partial view of the front, a tie bar and an A-frame of FIG.6 showing an exemplary connection used for coupling the upper end of thefront support to the forward-most A-frame;

FIG. 10 is a partial view of the back support of FIG. 6 showing anexemplary two-part assembly of the back-support; and

FIG. 11 shows a continuous tarp positioned over the present inventionand over the jumbo glass panes loaded on the sides of the drop-deck ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals representlike parts throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of thepresent disclosure will be described in detail. Throughout thisdescription, various components may be identified having specificvalues, these values are provided as exemplary embodiments and shouldnot be limiting of various concepts of the present invention as manycomparable sizes and/or values may be implemented.

FIG. 4 depicts the anti-torsion A-frame hauling trailer 20 of thepresent invention using a drop deck configuration 21 including siderails 22. The trailer 20 comprises a trailer body having a pair of mainbeams 24A/24B that support an elevated front deck 26 and which run thefull length of the trailer 20 culminating in a rear portion 28 thatrests on a wheel system 30. A plurality of A-frames 32 straddle and aremounted transversely to the main beams 24A/24B and are connected to themain beams 24A/24B and to feet 34 on each side of the trailer 20. Theside rails 22 are also connected to the feet 34 on each side of thetrailer 2. Each foot 34 comprises a resilient (e.g., rubber element)mount 34A for receiving the edges of the glass panes 8 thereon. Theheavy payload 8 (e.g., jumbo glass panes, etc.) is positioned on themounts 34A and against the inclined sides of the A-frames 32. TheA-frames 32 are coupled together via an anti-torsion structure (ATS) 36that minimizes the twisting/leaning of the drop-deck 21 when hauling theheavy payload 8, and in a non-symmetrical manner (see FIG. 7A), thereon.In particular, the ATS 36 comprises a plurality tie bars 36A (see FIGS.4-6) that connect the tops of the A-frames 32 together (using fastenerssuch as, but not limited to, screws or bolts/nuts, rivets, etc.), afront support 36B that is coupled between the forward-most A-frame 32Aand the main beams 24A/24B at the front deck 26 (see also FIG. 7), and aback support 36C that is coupled between the end-most A-frame 32B andthe main beams 24A/24B at the rear portion 28. The ATS 36 transfers theload of the heavy and non-symmetrical payload 8 (e.g., jumbo glasspanes, slate panels, etc.) to the main beams 24A/24B and therebyminimizes twisting/leaning of the drop deck 21 (e.g., ⅝″). Although lesspreferred, the plurality of tie bars 36A can also be implemented using asingle element, such as single tie bar connected at different locationsto each A-frame 32.

It should be understood that term “bar”, “bars”, “tie bars” for 36A usedin this Specification is by way of example only and that any rigidstructure for coupling the tops of the A-frames 32 together is coveredby the terms “bar”, “bars”, “tie bars”.

The ATS 36 is arranged along a longitudinal axis A of the trailer 20(FIG. 5).

The resilient mounts 34A typically comprise a rubber material orequivalent to form a pliable resting surface for the heavy payload 8(e.g., jumbo glass panes, slate panels, etc.). A resilient mount 34A islocated on each foot 34 that is present on each side of an A-frame 32 atthe frame's bottom.

The front support 36B and the back support 36C each comprise atrapezoidal shape, being wider at their base to connect to the mainbeams 24A/24B at the front deck 26 (for the front support 36B) and toconnect to the main beams 24A/24B at the rear portion 28 (for the backsupport 36C) and being shorter at their tops to connect to theforward-most A-frame 32A and to the back-most A-frame 32B, respectively.Because the front support 36B and back support 36C are identical, FIGS.8-10 are applicable to both supports 36B/36C and their respectiveconnections to the main beams 24A/24B at the front deck 26 and to themain beams 24A/24B at the rear portion 28 and to the tops of theirrespective A-frames 32A/32B.

As can be see most clearly in FIGS. 4 and 6, the front support 36B andthe end support 36C are angled α (e.g., 45°) between the top of theirrespective A-frame 32 and the main beams 24A/24B. The tie bars 36A andsupport bars 36B and 36C may comprise aluminum, or steel or evencomposite materials.

As mentioned previously, the front support 36B and the back support 36Care coupled to the main beams 24A/24B at the front deck 26 and to themain beams 24A/24B at the rear portion 28, respectively. The may beaccomplished using a cleat 38/40 and fasteners (e.g., screws orbolts/nuts, rivets, etc.), as shown in FIGS. 4-8. The upper ends of thefront support 36B and the back support 36C are coupled to theirrespective A-frames 32A/32B as shown by way of example in FIG. 9.Furthermore, each front support 36B and end support 36C may comprise atwo-component construction, namely a lower portion 36C1 and an upperportion 36C2 and fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts/nuts, rivets, etc.),as shown in FIGS. 4-7A and 10. Alternatively, the front support 36B andback support 36C may each comprise a unitary member. Furthermore, thefront/back supports 36B/36C (including the two-component construction)may comprise openings or apertures (not shown) to allow for passage ofwind/air therethrough when the trailer 20 is in motion to reduce airresistance and assist air flow.

It should be understood that while jumbo glass panes are the typicalpayload for the present invention 20, these do not in any way limit thescope of the invention. For example, any type of payload that can bepositioned on the feet 34 and then leaned against the A-frames 32 istransportable by the trailer 20 of the present invention with minimizedtwisting. For example, slate panels, wood panels, metal panels, etc. canbe positioned against the A-frames 32 of the drop deck 21 portion of thepresent invention.

Because the ATS 36 does not require increasing the weight/strength ofthe main beams 24A/24B, this permits the use of a continuous tarp 60 tocover and protect the entire payload (see FIG. 11) during transport.This type of the tarp 60 is preferred by haulers since it is veryconvenient to deploy and then remove. However, such tarps 60 can weighin the vicinity of 1800 lbs. which can cause the overall trailer toexceed weight restrictions. As a result, currently, haulers need to useless heavy but more complicated and time-consuming individual coveringsfor the payload. But because the inventive hauling trailer 20 does notrequire the use of heavier main beams 24A/24B, the hauler can use thecontinuous tarp 60 without exceeding weight restrictions.

While the invention has been described in detail and with reference tospecific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof

What is claimed is:
 1. A trailer for hauling payload positioned onopposite sides of the trailer which experiences minimized twisting, saidtrailer comprising: a trailer body having at least two main beams thatsupport an elevated front deck and a drop deck, said drop deck having arear portion positioned over a wheel system; a plurality of A-framestransversely positioned on said drop deck; and an anti-torsion structurethat couples said plurality of A-frames together and to said at leasttwo main beams at said elevated front deck and at said rear portion,said anti-torsion structure minimizing twisting of said drop deck, andwithout increasing the weight of said at least two main beams, when thepayload is positioned on said drop deck and against sides of saidplurality of A-frames.
 2. The trailer of claim 1 wherein saidanti-torsion structure is aligned along a longitudinal axis of saidtrailer.
 3. The trailer of claim 1 wherein said anti-torsion structurecomprises a plurality of bars that are connected between tops of saidplurality of A-frames.
 4. The trailer of claim 3 wherein saidanti-torsion structure comprises a first member that is connected tosaid at least two main beams at said elevated front deck on one end andis connected to a top of a forward-most A-frame on the other end of saidfirst member.
 5. The trailer of claim 4 wherein said anti-torsionstructure comprises a second member that is connected to said at leasttwo main beams at said rear portion on one end and is connected to a topof a rear-most A-frame on the other end of said second member.
 6. Thetrailer of claim 5 further comprising a plurality of feet located oneach side of each one of said plurality of A-frames, said plurality offeet configured to receive the payload thereon.
 7. The trailer of claim6 wherein the payload comprises a plurality of jumbo glass panes.
 8. Thetrailer of claim 5 wherein both said first member and said second memberare trapezoidally-shaped.
 9. The trailer of claim 1 further comprising acontinuous tarp for covering the payload positioned on said trailer. 10.A method for forming a trailer that is configured to haul payloadpositioned on opposite sides of the trailer while experiencing minimizedtwisting, said method comprising: forming a trailer body having at leasttwo main beams that support an elevated front deck and a drop deck, saiddrop deck having a rear portion positioned over a wheel system;positioning a plurality of A-frames transversely on said drop deck; andcoupling said plurality of A-frames together and to said at least twomain beams at said elevated front deck and at said rear portion using ananti-torsion structure, said anti-torsion structure minimizing twistingof said drop deck, and without increasing the weight of said at leasttwo main beams, when the payload is positioned on said drop deck andagainst sides of said plurality of A-frames.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein said step of coupling said A-frames together to said at leasttwo main beams at said elevated front deck and at said rear portioncomprises aligning said anti-torsion structure along a longitudinal axisof said trailer.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein said step ofcoupling said A-frames together to said at least two main beams at saidelevated forward deck and at said rear portion comprises connecting aplurality of bars between tops of said plurality of A-frames.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein said step of coupling said A-frames togetherto said at least two main beams at said elevated front deck and at saidrear portion comprises connecting a first member to said at least twomain beams at said elevated front deck on one end and connecting theother end of said first member to a top of a forward-most A-frame. 14.The method of claim 13 wherein said step of coupling said A-framestogether to said at least two main beams at said elevated front deck andat said rear portion comprises connecting a second member to said atleast two main beams at said rear portion on one end and connecting theother end of said second member to a top of a rear-most A-frame.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 further comprising the step of positioning a foot oneach side of each one of said plurality of A-frames, each of said feetconfigured to receive a portion of the payload thereon.
 16. The methodof claim 15 wherein the payload comprises a plurality of jumbo glasspanes.
 17. The method of claim 14 wherein both said first member andsaid second member are trapezoidally-shaped.
 18. The method of claim 10further comprising the step of positioning a continuous tarp over thepayload positioned on said trailer during transport.
 19. An anti-torsionstructure configured for minimizing the twisting of a trailer that haulspayload positioned on opposite sides of the trailer, the trailer havinga body formed of at least two main beams that support an elevated frontdeck and a drop deck and wherein the drop deck has a rear portionpositioned over a wheel system and wherein the drop deck includes aplurality of A-frames positioned transversely on the drop deck andagainst which the payload is positioned, said anti-torsion structurecomprising: a plurality of bars that are connected between tops of saidplurality of A-frames; a first member that is connected to the at leasttwo main beams at the elevated front deck on a first end of said firstmember and is connected to a top of a forward-most A-frame on a secondend of said first member; and a second member that is connected to theat least two main beams at the rear portion on a first end of saidsecond member and is connected to a top of a rear-most A-frame on asecond end of said second member.
 20. The anti-torsion structure ofclaim 19 wherein said anti-torsion structure is aligned along alongitudinal axis of said trailer.
 21. The anti-torsion structure ofclaim 19 wherein both said first member and said second member aretrapezoidly-shaped.
 22. A method for minimizing the twisting of atrailer that hauls payload positioned on opposite sides of the trailerwherein the trailer includes a body formed of at least two main beamsthat support an elevated front deck and a drop deck and wherein the dropdeck has a rear portion positioned over a wheel system and wherein thedrop deck includes a plurality of A-frames positioned transversely onthe drop deck and against which the payload is positioned, said methodcomprises: coupling the A-frames together by connecting a plurality ofbars between tops of the plurality of A-frames; connecting a firstmember to the at least two main beams at the elevated front deck on afirst end of said first member and connecting a second end of said firstmember to a top of a forward-most A-frame; and connecting a secondmember to the at least two main beams at the rear portion on a first endof said second member and connecting a second end of said second memberto a top of a rear-most A-frame.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein saidplurality of bars, said first member and said second member are alignedalong a longitudinal axis of said trailer.
 24. The method of claim 22wherein said step of connecting a first member to the at least two mainbeams comprises forming said first member to have a trapezoidal shapesuch that said first end of said first member is wider than said secondend of said first member.
 25. The method of claim 22 wherein said stepof connecting a second member to the at least two main beams comprisesforming said second member to have a trapezoidal shape such that saidfirst end of said second member is wider than said second end of saidsecond member.